Which condition is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells?

Hodgkin's lymphoma is specifically characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are distinctive abnormal cells that are typically large and binucleated. These cells are considered a hallmark of Hodgkin's disease and play a crucial role in the diagnosis. Their presence is used to differentiate Hodgkin's lymphoma from other types of lymphoproliferative disorders.

In contrast, conditions such as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia do not feature Reed-Sternberg cells and have different morphological and clinical characteristics that guide diagnosis and treatment. Multiple myeloma, while being another type of hematologic malignancy, is characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells and does not involve Reed-Sternberg cells either. This specific identification of Reed-Sternberg cells is thus central to understanding and diagnosing Hodgkin's lymphoma.